Proverbs 5:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and you say, "How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof!

NIV: You will say, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!

NASB: And you say, 'How I hated instruction! And my heart disdainfully rejected rebuke!

CSB: and you will say, "How I hated discipline, and how my heart despised correction.

NLT: You will say, 'How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings!

KJV: And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

NKJV: And say: “How I have hated instruction, And my heart despised correction!

This is a statement of regret, spoken by someone who failed to follow Solomon's warning against adultery (Proverbs 5:1–11). Sin tells us that when something feels good, we should do it—rarely do people describe discipline and common sense as "fun." In that sense, falling prey to adultery—or any other sin—is a matter of preferring pleasure over discipline and good teaching. Those who "hate" godly teaching will, one way or another, come to regret it.

At some point, the adulterer will feel remorse (Proverbs 5:4), but regret comes too late. If he had accepted instruction about the evil of adultery and its consequences, he would not be smitten with remorse. Guilt and regret over past actions are hard to bear. That pain is amplified when sin brings permanent consequences. Those might be to our reputation, finances, or relationships. They can also apply to our physical health (Proverbs 5:11).

After betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, Judas Iscariot was filled with remorse, but it was too late. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders (Matthew 27:3), and said, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). After throwing down the silver pieces in the temple, he committed suicide (Matthew 27:5). Judas realized that what he'd done could not be undone. Tragically, that led him to despair instead of to godly repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Proverbs 5:7–14 comes after Solomon has warned his son about the allurement of a seductress. Here, Solomon lists a number of catastrophes that result from committing adultery. This list precedes his advice to stay faithful to one's spouse and enjoy the blessings of marriage—this is advice suitable for people of either sex.

Solomon approaches the subject of adultery by describing a prototype seducer: a smooth talker who leads the victim down a dangerous road. Sin promises pleasure, but it is ultimately brief and destructive consequences are long lasting. The destructive consequences include a loss of strength, respect, money, and longevity. The person who disregards godly counsel about adultery experiences ruin and disgrace. Faithfulness in marriage brings a person exuberance and joy. No sin, including adultery, is hidden from God. Sin ensnares the adulterer and shows that he is foolish, undisciplined, and far from the Lord.

This chapter continues the wise sayings Solomon addresses to his children and / or students. Solomon warns about the temptation to succumb to adultery. He points out the calamities of yielding to sexual sin, and of violating one's marriage. This warning is similar the one given in Proverbs 1:8–10. After cautioning about the risks of adultery, he cites the joys and advantages of monogamous marriage.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.